Massachusetts has advanced measures to establish net metering requirements for small hydroelectric facilities.
On October 16, 2014, the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) issued a notice and order opening a proceeding (DPU 14-118) to enable net metering for small hydroelectric generation, consistent with requirements under “An Act Relative to Credit for Thermal Energy Generated with Renewable Fuels” signed into law on August 6. The Act directs the DPU to investigate the feasibility, impacts, and benefits of allowing net metering for electric distribution company customers with small hydroelectric facilities and submit a report to the legislature by July 1, 2015.
Under current regulation, any type of customer-sited generation smaller than 60 kW is eligible for net metering. Additionally, 2MW or 10MW installations qualify for net metering in the case of certain public facilities that use wind, solar photovoltaics, or anaerobic digestion, or if they are Agricultural Net Metering facilities. Hydroelectric facilities larger than 60 kW and are not Agricultural Net Metering Facilities do not qualify for net metering.
The DPU proceeding also includes a notice of technical conference to be held on November 7. It seeks written comments on hydroelectric net metering with regard to definition of “small hydroelectric projects,” size and potential profile of hydro-powered facilities; recommendations on eligible technologies; existing and/new or expanded systems; potential impacts on the environment and distribution companies, among others. The comment period ends on December 5.
Originally published by EnerKnol.
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